*Includes Real Conversations assessment toolkit towards the end of the book.
We need to start having face-to-face conversations NOW. Smartphones in general and social media in particular are destroying relationships. Reclaim relationships in 2020. The book explains through relatable stories how personal and professional relations are getting broken because of smartphone addiction.
As data became the real goldmine for technology firms, billions of dollars were poured to get the attention of the consumer. More the attention, better the moolah. And this created the trouble we today see in society. From just a noticeable issue, the lack of conversations and loneliness have now taken the form of an epidemic. Especially in the last ten years. Governments across UAE, Ireland, USA, India, China and the UK among others are conducting surveys and setting up ministerial groups to tackle the menace of social media impact on society. Some would have laughed on a Ministry of Loneliness a few years back but that is now a reality in many countries. Similarly, the Ministry of Happiness is a growing trend globally.
So, should we shun mobiles? Or delete all apps? There is no one single answer to this. It is a mix of accepting there is a problem, personal discipline, and living in real life than a virtual one. Face-to-face conversations can solve most of these problems. Can you have them without the distraction of mobile in your hand is the challenge.
"We are facing unprecedented levels of loneliness, marital separation, suicides by children, attrition rates, and depression. Lack of real conversations is the root cause of it."
Ritu Kant Ojha, a digital technology enthusiast investigates a major issue entire world is grappling with: lack of face-to-face conversations. Texting has replaced real conversations and its impact is visible at home, at work, government institutions, public places and even romance. Are we learning the necessary skills to build better teams, reduce attrition, body language, negotiation skills, empathy, patience, listening skills and resilience? Or we have no time from our handsets to think anything beyond staying connected.
Through a series of stories, Ojha, explains this issue which has reached monstrous proportions. However, there is a silver lining. Organisations, educational institutions and parents need to accept there is a problem and apply methods of real conversations. We are racing against time.
Author Bio: Ritu Kant Ojha is a seasoned business journalist, keynote speaker, master NLP practitioner, a corporate trainer and an international affiliate of the American Psychological Association. He has worked with top media brands like Star, CNBC & Bloomberg apart from consulting 100 plus CXOs globally on their communications strategy.
